Pet emergency
My cat ate Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' — what to do
Step by step
- Take oriental poppy 'patty's plum' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate oriental poppy 'patty's plum' — FAQ
Is oriental poppy 'patty's plum' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' (Papaver orientale) as toxic to cats. Papaver orientale contains opioid alkaloids (including thebaine). The ASPCA lists Papaver species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with potential effects including sedation, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal distress. All parts are toxic; sap is a skin and eye irritant.
How serious is it if my cat ate oriental poppy 'patty's plum'?
Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Papaver orientale contains opioid alkaloids (including thebaine). The ASPCA lists Papaver species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with potential effects including sedation, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal distress. All parts are toxic; sap is a skin and eye irritant. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep oriental poppy 'patty's plum' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is oriental poppy 'patty's plum' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Oriental Poppy 'Patty's Plum' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide